December 27, 2006 04:25 PM UTC

Questions About Hickenlooper's Performance Growing?

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• by: Colorado Pols

As Karen Crummy of the Denver Post gleefully reports:

For three years, Mayor John Hickenlooper’s charisma and fresh approach to governing proved a potent combination as he attracted new businesses to the city and repeatedly persuaded voters to tax themselves.

But after two notable city struggles – with snow plowing and a botched election process – some in government now wonder whether Hickenlooper’s silver-lining attitude has hindered him from making hard decisions to fix problems…

Twenty-four hours after the blizzard hit Denver, malls had to close during peak holiday shopping time and major highways and the airport shut down, stranding thousands of travelers. Many motorists found themselves stuck in snowbanks or, worse, involved in collisions.

Even so, Hickenlooper encouraged residents to visit one of four parks for sledding and hot cocoa…

The blizzard came on the heels of Denver’s election debacle, where computer problems led to hours-long lines at the polls and an unknown number of disenfranchised voters.

“The election-commission fiasco opened the door to people feeling a little freer with their criticism,” said political consultant Eric Sondermann.

“I’m curious to see … if there will be more cracks in the door and it swings open.”